Airdrieonians V Ayr at Excelsior Stadium : Match Preview

25 October 2013 02:31

Airdrie's new manager Gary Bollan will be working alongside coach Paul Lovering when League One's bottom side entertain Ayr.

The Diamonds welcome back Chris O'Neill after suspension, but Grant Drummond remains banned.

Nathan Blockley is struggling with an ankle problem and captain John Boyle remains sidelined after a knee operation.

Former Livingston manager Bollan said: "I am delighted to be back involved in football and cannot wait. I will be involved along with Paul in what will be a hard game against a good Ayr side. This is a big game, as all our games will be, as we look to climb off bottom spot."

Ayr, who have climbed into third place, are without Martyn Campbell (broken foot) and exciting youngster Alan Forrest who broke a hand playing in a Youth Cup tie last Sunday.

Player/manager Mark Roberts could be set to play after overcoming a calf problem as he looks for his side to make it three wins in a row.

Roberts said: "We won well at East Fife and then followed that up with a hard-fought win against Arbroath.

"It is always difficult at Airdrie but I am targeting a third win in a row and we know that we have the squad capable of doing that."